“Saturday Night Live” cast member Colin Jost thinks Larry David’s impression of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on the late-night comedy show has benefited the Democratic socialist’s presidential campaign.
“I think he’s helped Bernie,” the “Weekend Update” co-anchor told Seth Meyers Thursday night. “Larry’s so likable in a crazy, curmudgeon way, that he makes you think, ‘Oh yeah, Bernie Sanders! I always liked him. I liked him in ‘Curb [Your Enthusiasm].’ He was great.’ ”
Jost likened David’s Sanders impression to Tina Fey’s famous portrayal of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during her time as Arizona Sen. John McCain’s running mate during the 2008 presidential election.
“He’s that thing which you know from Tina doing Sarah Palin,” he said. “Sometimes people just have an exact right look. And for Larry David, by the time Lorne [Michaels, ‘SNL’s’ creator] called him about doing it, when Larry picked up the phone, he was like, ‘So we’re doing this?’ No explanation needed.”
Meyers then turned the conversation toward the Iowa caucuses, specifically to Jost’s thoughts on Donald Trump’s loss there to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
“I think people are so happy that he lost. People are like, ‘Look at this loser. He’s a loser,’ ” Jost said. “Here’s the thing: He’s still winning most of places. And the other thing is, the last two winners of Iowa have been Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee.”
“Not presidents,” Meyers interjected, inducing audience laughter.
Jost continued: “It may have just proven that he’s not Rick Santorum or Mike Huckabee, which might ultimately be a good thing. That’s my crazy opinion.”
Of course, Jost said he was not even aware Santorum was vying for the presidency again.
“Rick Santorum just dropped out of the race now, and I was not aware he was in the race,” he said. “I think he might’ve been dropping out of 2012.”
